Extra Walk 174c – Balcombe Circular, via Ardingly
Length: 16½ km (10.3 miles). Toughness: 5/10
10:27 Brighton train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 10:33, East Croydon 10:43), arriving Balcombe at 11:17.
Trains back from Balcombe are hourly at 30 minutes past.
The main Extra Walk 174 requires a bus journey to the starting village of Horsted Keynes, but as these no longer run on Sundays I've chosen this walk's circular option. In the last ten years there have in fact been nearly 40 “Balcombe Circular” outings of one sort or another, and I hope the author of the original walk via Ardingly Reservoir forgives the shameless way in which this one mixes'n'matches chunks of its route as well as (in reverse) part of the Book 1 walk. I thought walkers ought to get the chance to try this one before the fracking industry returns to Balcombe with a vengeance and little oil wells start popping up along the walk route.
For the time being, then, there should be good views from the mainly high-level route to Ardingly. In the afternoon you go through the grounds of a leading independent school, followed by a long (and doubtless familiar) section alongside Ardingly Reservoir.
Unless the Oak Inn has reopened Ardingly now has just one pub, the Ardingly Inn. You should get there at around 1.15pm; make a booking if you want a table inside. Faster walkers should reach the ever-popular Balcombe Tea Rooms by 4pm but call ahead if you won't: they may stay open later. The Half Moon Inn is a good alternative. The walk document gives several possible routes from the village to the station so you can choose the one which best coincides with the arrival of the hourly train.
You'll need to print the directions from the Extra Walk 174 page. Clicking the 'c. Circular Walk' option will save a good few pages on this multi-option walk. If you also bring along the directions for Extra Walk 22 you'll find that you can switch between the two at several places, eg. if you want to do a longer afternoon route via Wakehurst Place.
Sunday, 31 May 2015
Sunday Walk – Burnham Beeches and the Thames
Book 1 Walk 40 (extended) – Gerrards Cross to Maidenhead
Length: 21.2 km (13.2 miles). Toughness: 3/10
10:20 Beaconsfield train from Marylebone (West Ruislip [Central Line] 10:42), arriving Gerrards Cross at 10:55.
There are three trains an hour from Maidenhead to Paddington, at irregular times but fairly evenly spaced out. The fastest ones (calling only at Slough) are at around 45-50 minutes past the hour.
You can't get a day return for this walk as the two stations are on lines operated by different rail companies. You may find it cheaper to get an All Zones Travelcard plus singles to/from the Zone 6 boundary.
The standard Book 1 walk is a nicely varied stroll through parkland and the extensive woods of Burnham Beeches to the riverside village of Cookham, and if you take the suggested extension to Maidenhead you'll finish the day along one of the loveliest stretches of the Thames. Lunch is at the Jolly Woodman after about two hours' walking; as usual on a Sunday, call ahead if you want to be sure of a table inside. Cookham has several nice places for a mid-afternoon refreshment stop and you could also visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery.
You'll need to bring Book 1 or print the directions from the Walk 40 and Walk 24 pages. You don't really need the latter for the riverside extension, of course, but it describes a route to Maidenhead station which enables you to bypass the large town centre.
Length: 21.2 km (13.2 miles). Toughness: 3/10
10:20 Beaconsfield train from Marylebone (West Ruislip [Central Line] 10:42), arriving Gerrards Cross at 10:55.
There are three trains an hour from Maidenhead to Paddington, at irregular times but fairly evenly spaced out. The fastest ones (calling only at Slough) are at around 45-50 minutes past the hour.
You can't get a day return for this walk as the two stations are on lines operated by different rail companies. You may find it cheaper to get an All Zones Travelcard plus singles to/from the Zone 6 boundary.
The standard Book 1 walk is a nicely varied stroll through parkland and the extensive woods of Burnham Beeches to the riverside village of Cookham, and if you take the suggested extension to Maidenhead you'll finish the day along one of the loveliest stretches of the Thames. Lunch is at the Jolly Woodman after about two hours' walking; as usual on a Sunday, call ahead if you want to be sure of a table inside. Cookham has several nice places for a mid-afternoon refreshment stop and you could also visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery.
You'll need to bring Book 1 or print the directions from the Walk 40 and Walk 24 pages. You don't really need the latter for the riverside extension, of course, but it describes a route to Maidenhead station which enables you to bypass the large town centre.
Saturday, 30 May 2015
Saturday Third Walk
Extra Walk 11: Amberley Circular: Out
Along the Foot of the South Downs above Wild Brook Wetland and Back along the
Ridge of the Downs
Distance: 11.1 Miles
Difficulty: 5 out of 10, mainly flat with one long, but
well-graded, hill
Train: Take the 9:32
Southampton Central Southern train from London
Victoria, arriving at Amberley at 10:57.
Return trains from Amberley are at
17:17, 18:17, 18:59, 19:29, 20:29 and 21:29. Buy
a day return to Amberley.
This lovely walk around Amberley and along
the Downs -- covering both the lowlands and the magnificent South Downs ridge
itself. More information and the instructions can be found here.
The recommended lunchtime pub is The Crown Inn in Cootham (tel 01903 742 625), about 5.5 miles into the walk. The Sportsman
in Cross Gate (tel 01798 831 787) or Parham House in Parham Park (01803 744 888) are both possible earlier lunch stops at (2.6 miles
and 4.6 miles into the walk, respectively).
Larger groups should call ahead and provide some warning.
The Bridge Inn near the train station in
Amberley provides refreshing post walk libations.
Enjoy the walk!
Rolling Buckinghamshire Hills and a National Trust mansion
SWC Walk 192 - Haddenham to Aylesbury via Waddesdon
Length: 25.2km (15.6 miles) but shorter options from 11.2km (7 miles): see below
Toughness: 6 out of 10
9.36 train from Marylebone to Haddenham and Thame Parkway, arriving 10.14.
Buy a day return to Aylesbury, making sure it is "any route permitted" and not "via Chalfont and Latimer". Only the former is valid via Princes Risborough, which is the stop before Haddenham. You might have to pay on the train for a single extension from Princes Risborough to Haddenham.
For walk directions click here.
This is a long walk in the Buckinghamshire hills if you do the whole thing, and there are some who will relish that prospect. Lesser mortals might like to consider the shorter options outlined below.
Lunch for all options is in the pretty village of Waddesdon, which has several pubs as outlined in the walk document.
Options:
1) It is 13.7km (8.7 miles) to Waddesdon by the standard walk route, but a short cut in the walk directions reduces that to 11.2km (7 miles). Once there you might like to spend the afternoon visiting Waddesdon Manor (National Trust), a show mansion built on the summit of a ridge at vast expense by the Rothschilds in the late 19th century to impress their society friends. Like all NT places it has a tea room.
You can then get buses back to Aylesbury - either number 16 or 17 - from outside The Lion pub in the village - at 15.24, 16.01, 17.24, 17.31, 19.01 19.19. Note the hour and a half gap between 17.31 and 19.01 (though no doubt one of the village pubs will entertain you).
2) The walk document has a shorter ending to Aylesbury Vale Parkway station reducing the walk to 19.8km (12.3 miles) - or 17.3km (10.8 miles) if you also did the short cut before lunch. The station is a strange place, surrounded by a new half-built suburb of Aylesbury: there are no refreshment options and only a bare platform to wait on, so you might want to time your arrival there carefully. Trains are at 30 past the hour till 18.30, then 19.50, 20.50.
3) This is an option of my own devising, not in the walk document, but if you continue south on the bridleway (track?) after leaving Eythrope Park in the afternoon (see map) you come in a couple of kilometres to the village of Stone, which is served by Oxford to Aylesbury buses (route 280) at 13 and 43 past the hour until 18.43, then 18.27, 19.11, 20.06, 21.05, 22.05. Turning left along the main road that the bus runs along for 3-400 metres brings you to the Rose and Crown, which looks from the web to be a very pleasant pub, open all afternoon (if it is not, stay on the road a similar distance to the Bugle Horn, also on the bus route). Minus the walks to the pub, I calculate this reduces the walk to 21.3km (13.2 miles) - or 18.8 km (11.6 miles) if you did the short cut before lunch.
If completing the full walk, tea options in Aylesbury are outlined in the walk document.
Trains back from Aylesbury are at 05 and 35 until 18.35, then 19.05, 19.27, 20.05, 21.05, 21.27, 22.05
Length: 25.2km (15.6 miles) but shorter options from 11.2km (7 miles): see below
Toughness: 6 out of 10
9.36 train from Marylebone to Haddenham and Thame Parkway, arriving 10.14.
Buy a day return to Aylesbury, making sure it is "any route permitted" and not "via Chalfont and Latimer". Only the former is valid via Princes Risborough, which is the stop before Haddenham. You might have to pay on the train for a single extension from Princes Risborough to Haddenham.
For walk directions click here.
This is a long walk in the Buckinghamshire hills if you do the whole thing, and there are some who will relish that prospect. Lesser mortals might like to consider the shorter options outlined below.
Lunch for all options is in the pretty village of Waddesdon, which has several pubs as outlined in the walk document.
Options:
1) It is 13.7km (8.7 miles) to Waddesdon by the standard walk route, but a short cut in the walk directions reduces that to 11.2km (7 miles). Once there you might like to spend the afternoon visiting Waddesdon Manor (National Trust), a show mansion built on the summit of a ridge at vast expense by the Rothschilds in the late 19th century to impress their society friends. Like all NT places it has a tea room.
You can then get buses back to Aylesbury - either number 16 or 17 - from outside The Lion pub in the village - at 15.24, 16.01, 17.24, 17.31, 19.01 19.19. Note the hour and a half gap between 17.31 and 19.01 (though no doubt one of the village pubs will entertain you).
2) The walk document has a shorter ending to Aylesbury Vale Parkway station reducing the walk to 19.8km (12.3 miles) - or 17.3km (10.8 miles) if you also did the short cut before lunch. The station is a strange place, surrounded by a new half-built suburb of Aylesbury: there are no refreshment options and only a bare platform to wait on, so you might want to time your arrival there carefully. Trains are at 30 past the hour till 18.30, then 19.50, 20.50.
3) This is an option of my own devising, not in the walk document, but if you continue south on the bridleway (track?) after leaving Eythrope Park in the afternoon (see map) you come in a couple of kilometres to the village of Stone, which is served by Oxford to Aylesbury buses (route 280) at 13 and 43 past the hour until 18.43, then 18.27, 19.11, 20.06, 21.05, 22.05. Turning left along the main road that the bus runs along for 3-400 metres brings you to the Rose and Crown, which looks from the web to be a very pleasant pub, open all afternoon (if it is not, stay on the road a similar distance to the Bugle Horn, also on the bus route). Minus the walks to the pub, I calculate this reduces the walk to 21.3km (13.2 miles) - or 18.8 km (11.6 miles) if you did the short cut before lunch.
If completing the full walk, tea options in Aylesbury are outlined in the walk document.
Trains back from Aylesbury are at 05 and 35 until 18.35, then 19.05, 19.27, 20.05, 21.05, 21.27, 22.05
Saturday First Walk Mayflies on the test hopefully
19.0km (11.8 miles)
| |
Explorers 131 & 144 or Landranger 185.
From London Waterloo catch the 09:50 to Salisbury (leaving Woking 10:16) arriving at Whitchurch (Hants) 10:51. Return trains from Andover are at xx:06 and xx:38 until 19:06 when they are hourly at xx:45 until 22:45 Buy a day return to Andover. I post this walk in the hope that the Mayfly ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayfly ) will hatch this weekend and the trout should rise to catch them on the Test river It looks like the mayfly have arrived so this Saturday should be good for them http://testvalleyriverkeeper.blogspot.co.uk/2015_05_01_archive.html Aside from time spent on the Test there is also some wonderful scenery and villages so a treat for the eyes and quite a gentle walk. At lunchtime the walk comes to so many thatched cottages that a visitor to this country might suppose thatch to be the most popular roofing material for English country villages. Stocks for the punishment of offenders were erected in every village during the reign of Edward III. Those in Longparish are among the few still remaining. | |
Lunch Best if you phone to check that they will have room for you when you set off from the station From the comments Cricketers Inn ( 01264720335 )
01264720335
I recommend as an excellent
pub, which good food, nice atmosphere and friendly staff. No local ale
on offer though, unfortunatelyPlough Inn ( http://theploughinn.info/index.html 01264720358 ) lunch was very good and not horrendously expensive. The waiter/ress service was very good with free wonderful freshly baked bread rolls and a little petit fours at the end of homemade fudge for each of us. Tea There are a selection of tea shops in Andover. | |
See here for the walk directions and more details.
Time flies like an arrow Fruit flies like a banana |
Thursday, 28 May 2015
Extra Midweek Walk: The Sky Gardens and Jubilee Walk
SWC.122 Jubilee Walk - Central London Circular
Meet at the SkyGardens (on top of the walkie-talkie building) for coffee at 10:45, followed by the Jubilee Walk. Views (and prices in the restaurant) are stunning. Entry free, but ID required, and book ASAP. Arrive earlier, and take photos. Tube: Monument If its full, meet up as 12:00 at the Tower of London Wetherspoons. http://www.20fenchurchstreet.co.uk/sky-garden.html
Meet at the SkyGardens (on top of the walkie-talkie building) for coffee at 10:45, followed by the Jubilee Walk. Views (and prices in the restaurant) are stunning. Entry free, but ID required, and book ASAP. Arrive earlier, and take photos. Tube: Monument If its full, meet up as 12:00 at the Tower of London Wetherspoons. http://www.20fenchurchstreet.co.uk/sky-garden.html
Wednesday, 27 May 2015
Mid-week Day Walk - Dorking to Reigate
Dorking to Reigate
Greensand Way
Book 3* Walk 16
* online only
Length: 13 Km or 8 miles
Toughness: 3 out of 10
Getting there: Catch the 10:01 am train from London Victoria (currently advertised as departing platform 11) to Dorking (main)
Calling Stations:
- Clapham Junction dep 10:07 am
- Sutton dep 10:28 am
Meeting point: Dorking (Main) Station at 10:50 am
Tickets: Buy a Cheap Day Return to Dorking which should be valid for the return journey from Reigate.
Brief Description:
This mainly level walk follows the river Mole upstream from the foot of Box Hill through the picturesque villages of Brockham, Betchworth and Skimmington, ending in the grounds of Reigate Priory. Part of the route follows the Greensand Way long-distance footpath along the sandstone rock stratum that separates the chalk downland of the North Downs from the more varied soils of the Low Weald.
The walk doesn't exactly follow the Greensand Way - take an OS map if you wish to do that as the way-marking isn't perfect.
The walk doesn't exactly follow the Greensand Way - take an OS map if you wish to do that as the way-marking isn't perfect.
You may find full details here
Suggested Lunch and Tea stops
Explorer Map 146
Return train times from Reigate:
Depart from platform 1 and arrive into London Victoria calling at East Croydon and Clapham Junction.
Train departure times are at:
16:1416:38 *
17:12
17:34 *
17:44
18:14
* Change at Redhill (I know, too much information!)
Monday, 25 May 2015
Extra Bank Holiday walk - Sgoran Dubh Mor circular
A fairly vigorous walk in the Cairngorms
Distance 10 miles
Difficulty 3 out of 10 on the Thomas scale
Getting there: see scotrail timetable.
This is a new map led walk and is bluebell free.
Distance 10 miles
Difficulty 3 out of 10 on the Thomas scale
Getting there: see scotrail timetable.
This is a new map led walk and is bluebell free.
Bank Holiday Monday Walk (train-free)
Extra Walk 42 – Greenford to Osterley
Length: 12 km (7.5 miles). Toughness: 1/10
Take a Central Line tube which will arrive at Greenford by 10:40. On the West Ruislip line these run every 5-10 minutes and take about 30 minutes from central London (Oxford Circus).
Return is by Piccadilly Line tube from Osterley, or local buses if these are more convenient. Greenford and Osterley are both in TfL Zone 4.
In view of the threatened rail strike I'll post this outer London walk which should be feasible for anyone on the tube network. TfL have confirmed that these two lines will be running as normal. [If the strike is called off a longer country walk will be posted as well.]
While not exactly a country walk, this one goes through pleasant green spaces and passes some interesting features, not least an unusual triple bridge for road, rail and canal. It finishes in Osterley Park where National Trust members might be able to visit Osterley House, although their web site says that most of the house is only open for guided tours on Mondays.
The suggested lunchtime stop is the Plough in Norwood Green. This is quite close to the end of the walk so you could simply carry on to Osterley Park; there's no charge to visit the NT's Stables Café.
You'll need to print the directions from the Extra Walk 42 page. These haven't been updated recently so it's worth noting some helpful clarifications on the walk's Comments page.
Length: 12 km (7.5 miles). Toughness: 1/10
Take a Central Line tube which will arrive at Greenford by 10:40. On the West Ruislip line these run every 5-10 minutes and take about 30 minutes from central London (Oxford Circus).
Return is by Piccadilly Line tube from Osterley, or local buses if these are more convenient. Greenford and Osterley are both in TfL Zone 4.
In view of the threatened rail strike I'll post this outer London walk which should be feasible for anyone on the tube network. TfL have confirmed that these two lines will be running as normal. [If the strike is called off a longer country walk will be posted as well.]
While not exactly a country walk, this one goes through pleasant green spaces and passes some interesting features, not least an unusual triple bridge for road, rail and canal. It finishes in Osterley Park where National Trust members might be able to visit Osterley House, although their web site says that most of the house is only open for guided tours on Mondays.
The suggested lunchtime stop is the Plough in Norwood Green. This is quite close to the end of the walk so you could simply carry on to Osterley Park; there's no charge to visit the NT's Stables Café.
You'll need to print the directions from the Extra Walk 42 page. These haven't been updated recently so it's worth noting some helpful clarifications on the walk's Comments page.
Bank Holiday Monday Walk – rock climbers and steam trains
Extra Walk 19c – Tunbridge Wells Circular (long walk, via Groombridge)
Length: 23½ km (14.6 miles), with shorter options. Toughness: 7/10
09:33 Hastings train from London Bridge (East Croydon 09:52, Redhill 10:08), arriving Tunbridge Wells at 10:39.
Late Start option: You could take the train half an hour later (10:03) and start from Frant (one stop further down the line) at 11:16. This is the original version of Walk 19, now option b. I reckon that both groups will get to the old well on Frant village green at the same time and so could do the rest of the walk together.
Trains back from Tunbridge Wells are half-hourly, at around 03 & 33 minutes past the hour.
Note that the Hastings trains are being diverted this weekend with a slightly longer journey time (but a bonus for south Londoners who can connect with them at East Croydon or Redhill).
When you head out of Tunbridge Wells station beware those walkers following the route on a gizmo, as there's a 50-50 chance they'll set off on the longer way out of town: on this option c you should be starting at §3 in the printed directions. You'll pass a nice pub in Frant village but I suggest pressing on to the Nevill Crest and Gun in Eridge Green, after about 10 km. After lunch you can switch to the shorter return route via Broadwater Warren, but the long walk will take you past one of the finest sandstone outcrops in the south-east, Harrison's Rocks. On the final stretch back to Tunbridge Wells you're never far from the Spa Valley Railway and could decide to save your legs by boarding one of their heritage trains at Groombridge (steam loco at 15:46, diesel at 17:22). There are several places where you can break for tea during the afternoon, and of course plenty of opportunities for further refreshment in Tunbridge Wells itself.
You'll need to print the directions from the Extra Walk 19 page. If you're sure which route you're taking you can minimise the amount printed by clicking on the relevant Walk Option.
Length: 23½ km (14.6 miles), with shorter options. Toughness: 7/10
09:33 Hastings train from London Bridge (East Croydon 09:52, Redhill 10:08), arriving Tunbridge Wells at 10:39.
Late Start option: You could take the train half an hour later (10:03) and start from Frant (one stop further down the line) at 11:16. This is the original version of Walk 19, now option b. I reckon that both groups will get to the old well on Frant village green at the same time and so could do the rest of the walk together.
Trains back from Tunbridge Wells are half-hourly, at around 03 & 33 minutes past the hour.
Note that the Hastings trains are being diverted this weekend with a slightly longer journey time (but a bonus for south Londoners who can connect with them at East Croydon or Redhill).
When you head out of Tunbridge Wells station beware those walkers following the route on a gizmo, as there's a 50-50 chance they'll set off on the longer way out of town: on this option c you should be starting at §3 in the printed directions. You'll pass a nice pub in Frant village but I suggest pressing on to the Nevill Crest and Gun in Eridge Green, after about 10 km. After lunch you can switch to the shorter return route via Broadwater Warren, but the long walk will take you past one of the finest sandstone outcrops in the south-east, Harrison's Rocks. On the final stretch back to Tunbridge Wells you're never far from the Spa Valley Railway and could decide to save your legs by boarding one of their heritage trains at Groombridge (steam loco at 15:46, diesel at 17:22). There are several places where you can break for tea during the afternoon, and of course plenty of opportunities for further refreshment in Tunbridge Wells itself.
You'll need to print the directions from the Extra Walk 19 page. If you're sure which route you're taking you can minimise the amount printed by clicking on the relevant Walk Option.
Sunday, 24 May 2015
NGS Gardens Open Day - Penge
A garden designer neighbour and myself are opening our 2 gardens for
charity on Sunday 24th May from 2pm to 5pm. The cost is £6.00. Teas, coffee, home-made cream cakes.....
provided. The 2 gardens are 43 Clevedon Rd, SE20 7QQ (Eliz Parker) and 26 Kenilworth Rd SE20 7QQ. Very short walk between the two gardens- 0.5/10! More info at www.ngs.org.uk - see Penge Gardens. Elizabeth
Sunday Walk 2 – Ambling through Hertfordshire
Extra Walk 69 Welwyn circular
17km (10.6m); toughness 2/10
Trains: London Kings Cross10.05 (Finsbury Park Welwyn Garden
Fast return trains from Welwyn Garden City at xx:52 and slower stopping trains at xx:29 and xx:59.
A gentle amble through attractive Hertfordshire countryside including the landscaped parkland of Brocket Hall and Lamer House.
See here for further information about the walk and the lunch and refreshment options.
Sunday Walk 1 – A Chilterns Mystery Tour
Extra Walk 223 Henley circular via Turville
24km (15m); toughness 4/10
Trains: London Paddington 09.32 (Ealing Broadway 09.40) to Twyford 10.18. Then Twyford 10.43 to Henley 10.55
Return trains from Henley to Twyford to connect with trains back to London are at xx:01
This “Midsomers Murders” walk had its first outing last summer and we had no reports of any “losses”! It traverses lovely open countryside before lunch and woodland tracks in the afternoon, and visits some beautiful hamlets and villages. (If you have the energy when you reach Turville you can climb a path to a windmill at the top of a hill and enjoy stupendous views of the village and surrounding countryside).
It’s a long walk but not overly strenuous and you can shorten the walk by taking one of the bus options at the start or end of the walk. (See walk options).
As this is a bank holiday Sunday this walk has a number of pub and lunch options but you must ring beforehand as they are all popular and bound to be busy if the weather is warm and sunny.
Further information about the walk with all the pub lunch and other refreshment options plus full walk instructions can be found here.
Saturday, 23 May 2015
Walk 3-83: Crowthorne to Blackwater
Length: 20.5km (12.7 miles), Toughness: 3/10
Train: 10:30 from Waterloo changing at Guildford (arr. 11:03, dep. 11:09) to Crowthorne arriving at 11:38. Buy a day return to Crowthorne. Return trains from Blackwater are at 16:25,17:25,19:25,20:25 (change at Farnborough North, walk to Farnborough Main) and xx:51 (change at Guildford). It is also possible to return to Paddington (change at Reading) at xx:02, xx:31.
Options: The walk can be shortened by 2km by taking a short-cut through Finchampstead omitting Eversley.
Lunch: The Queens Oak (0118 973 4855) in Finchampstead about 8km into the walk. About 2.5k further is the Tally Ho (01189 732 134). If taking the short-cut through Finchampstead another option is The Greyhound (0118 973 2269) about 9km into the walk.
Tea: Pistachios in the Park at Sandhurst Memorial Park. It's about 40 minutes from here to Blackwater station.
Directions: For more information including directions, maps, GPS etc. see SWC.83
Downland and lowlands
SWC walk 108 - Burgess Hill to Hassocks
Length: various options from 13.4km (8.3 miles) to 26.7km (16.8 miles): see below
Toughness: 6 to 8 out of 10 (mainly due to one big climb onto the downs)
9.12 train from London Bridge (9.25 East Croydon) to Burgess Hill, arriving 10.03
or
9.16 train from Victoria (9.22 Clapham Junction, 9.32 East Croydon) to Burgess Hill, arriving 10.08
London Bridge walkers please wait for the Victoria train before starting!
Buy a day return to Hassocks
For walk directions click here.
This walk had a truly horrid outing in February due to some of the worst weather I have ever encountered on a Saturday walk. I thought it deserved an outing in better conditions and at a nicer time of year, so am crossing my fingers that the weather today is more clement…
The full walk in the walk document is a very long one, and in February some of us shortened it by starting it from Hassocks. But this time I have a different idea. With everyone starting from Burgess Hill, the normal start, you have a four mile walk across the lowlands to the village of Ditchling, where more relaxed types may like to try The Bull pub for lunch (there is also a nice deli, or there used to be).
Faster walkers can hammer on, climbing up onto the South Downs escarpment by a very scenic path to have lunch at the Plough in Pyecombe, a nice pub with a fine menu, but eight miles into the walk (nevertheless a good few got there in February in reasonable time).
Those who lunched in Ditchling will do the climb onto the South Downs after lunch. Once up there it is relatively easy to depart from the walk route and follow the South Downs Way to the Jack and Jill windmills. descend the downs from there to the village of Clayton and follow a path alongside the railway line to Hassocks. This is a 13.4km (8.3 mile) walk from Burgess Hill. Once up on the downs you are off the walk route but you could probably follow this route pretty easily even without a map, providing conditions are clear.
Alternatively, continuing on the walk 108 route to Pyecombe (a possible tea stop for those who have lunched in Ditchling), and then carrying on beyond it, you find yourself on Wolstonbury Hill, familiar from Book 2, walk 23 Hassocks to Upper Beeding. Should you a) have a map or b) be familiar with the route of that walk you can reverse its start to Hassocks, making a total walk of 18.8km (11.7 miles).
Alternatively, continue with the walk 108 route from Wolstonbury Hill brings you to the pleasant village of Hurstpierpoint, 20.2km (12.6 miles) from the start of the walk. From the war memorial in this village you can get bus no 33 at 4.54pm to Hassocks station. There is no later bus from Hurstpierpoint, but you can either walk another 2.7km (1.7 miles) down the road from Hurstpierpoint to Hassocks station, or walk 1km or so west along the main street of Hurstpierpoint to the village of Albourne and get a no 100 bus from there to Burgess Hill station at 17.45 or 18.43.
Or you can finish the walk as specified to Hassocks, 26.7km (16.8 miles).
Trains back from Hassocks are at 06 and 38 past the hour to London Bridge and 34 past the hour to Victoria until 19.06, then at 19.40 and 20.12 to Blackfriars and St Pancras, 20.30 to Victoria, 20.40 to Blackfriars and St Pancras (after that check for yourself!): all trains go to East Croydon.
Length: various options from 13.4km (8.3 miles) to 26.7km (16.8 miles): see below
Toughness: 6 to 8 out of 10 (mainly due to one big climb onto the downs)
9.12 train from London Bridge (9.25 East Croydon) to Burgess Hill, arriving 10.03
or
9.16 train from Victoria (9.22 Clapham Junction, 9.32 East Croydon) to Burgess Hill, arriving 10.08
London Bridge walkers please wait for the Victoria train before starting!
Buy a day return to Hassocks
For walk directions click here.
This walk had a truly horrid outing in February due to some of the worst weather I have ever encountered on a Saturday walk. I thought it deserved an outing in better conditions and at a nicer time of year, so am crossing my fingers that the weather today is more clement…
The full walk in the walk document is a very long one, and in February some of us shortened it by starting it from Hassocks. But this time I have a different idea. With everyone starting from Burgess Hill, the normal start, you have a four mile walk across the lowlands to the village of Ditchling, where more relaxed types may like to try The Bull pub for lunch (there is also a nice deli, or there used to be).
Faster walkers can hammer on, climbing up onto the South Downs escarpment by a very scenic path to have lunch at the Plough in Pyecombe, a nice pub with a fine menu, but eight miles into the walk (nevertheless a good few got there in February in reasonable time).
Those who lunched in Ditchling will do the climb onto the South Downs after lunch. Once up there it is relatively easy to depart from the walk route and follow the South Downs Way to the Jack and Jill windmills. descend the downs from there to the village of Clayton and follow a path alongside the railway line to Hassocks. This is a 13.4km (8.3 mile) walk from Burgess Hill. Once up on the downs you are off the walk route but you could probably follow this route pretty easily even without a map, providing conditions are clear.
Alternatively, continuing on the walk 108 route to Pyecombe (a possible tea stop for those who have lunched in Ditchling), and then carrying on beyond it, you find yourself on Wolstonbury Hill, familiar from Book 2, walk 23 Hassocks to Upper Beeding. Should you a) have a map or b) be familiar with the route of that walk you can reverse its start to Hassocks, making a total walk of 18.8km (11.7 miles).
Alternatively, continue with the walk 108 route from Wolstonbury Hill brings you to the pleasant village of Hurstpierpoint, 20.2km (12.6 miles) from the start of the walk. From the war memorial in this village you can get bus no 33 at 4.54pm to Hassocks station. There is no later bus from Hurstpierpoint, but you can either walk another 2.7km (1.7 miles) down the road from Hurstpierpoint to Hassocks station, or walk 1km or so west along the main street of Hurstpierpoint to the village of Albourne and get a no 100 bus from there to Burgess Hill station at 17.45 or 18.43.
Or you can finish the walk as specified to Hassocks, 26.7km (16.8 miles).
Trains back from Hassocks are at 06 and 38 past the hour to London Bridge and 34 past the hour to Victoria until 19.06, then at 19.40 and 20.12 to Blackfriars and St Pancras, 20.30 to Victoria, 20.40 to Blackfriars and St Pancras (after that check for yourself!): all trains go to East Croydon.
Saturday First Walk
Book 1 Walk 8 – Bures to Sudbury
Length: 16 km (9.9 miles), with shorter option. Toughness: 4/10
Length: 16 km (9.9 miles), with shorter option. Toughness: 4/10
Map of the route is here
http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_1/walk_08/map.shtml
10:02 Ipswich train from Liverpool Street, calling at Stratford (10:09). Change at Marks Tey (arr 10.57 on Platform 2 , dep 11:01 from Platform 3 ) onto the Sudbury branch line, arriving Bures at 11:13.
Return trains from Sudbury are hourly at 26 minutes past, changing at Marks Tey.
Buy a return to Sudbury (Suffolk).
An easy going walk with few hills and some pleasant scenery
One of the posters may recognise the following bit of script but the say plagarism is the sincerest form of flattery so thanks Sean
If you look at the Walk Map you'll see that you have to take a dog-leg route out to the west to reach the Bulmer Fox, which describes itself as “a bistro style restaurant in a country pub setting”. According to its website this suggested lunch place doesn't take bookings, so if you decide to give it a miss I suggest taking the short cut at Great Henny church, heading north to rejoin the main route at [6]. This is definitely worth doing if you've stopped earlier at the Lamarsh Lion pub, or if you're happy to wait until you reach Sudbury for refreshment. As well as the town's pubs the comfortable Mill Hotel is recommended for its cream teas; note that it's a 20-minute walk through the town to the station.
See comments below re the alternative lunch time pub - you will find directions here
http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_1/walk_08/index.shtml
http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_1/walk_08/map.shtml
10:02 Ipswich train from Liverpool Street, calling at Stratford (10:09). Change at Marks Tey (arr 10.57 on Platform 2 , dep 11:01 from Platform 3 ) onto the Sudbury branch line, arriving Bures at 11:13.
Return trains from Sudbury are hourly at 26 minutes past, changing at Marks Tey.
Buy a return to Sudbury (Suffolk).
An easy going walk with few hills and some pleasant scenery
One of the posters may recognise the following bit of script but the say plagarism is the sincerest form of flattery so thanks Sean
If you look at the Walk Map you'll see that you have to take a dog-leg route out to the west to reach the Bulmer Fox, which describes itself as “a bistro style restaurant in a country pub setting”. According to its website this suggested lunch place doesn't take bookings, so if you decide to give it a miss I suggest taking the short cut at Great Henny church, heading north to rejoin the main route at [6]. This is definitely worth doing if you've stopped earlier at the Lamarsh Lion pub, or if you're happy to wait until you reach Sudbury for refreshment. As well as the town's pubs the comfortable Mill Hotel is recommended for its cream teas; note that it's a 20-minute walk through the town to the station.
See comments below re the alternative lunch time pub - you will find directions here
http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_1/walk_08/index.shtml
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
Mid-week walk - Princes Risborough to Great Missenden
Princes Risborough to Great Missenden
The Chilterns and Bryants Bottom
Book 1 Walk 45
Length: 16 Km or 10 miles
Toughness: 5 out of 10
Getting there: Catch the 10:18am from London Marylebone to Princes Risborough
Meeting point: Princes Risborough Station at 10:56 am
Tickets: Buy a Cheap Day Return to Aylesbury
Tickets: Buy a Cheap Day Return to Aylesbury
Brief Description:
This walk across the Chilterns – the walker’s heaven – is through sloping fields and beech woods and hamlets, past upmarket farms and upgraded cottages. The walk is not difficult but it does have two short, steep hills (with fine views) near the lunch stop which account for the toughness rating , although the walk directions do offer an alternative route which avoids the first of the inclines. Small sections of the route can be muddy in wet weather, particularly the leg through Monkton Wood before the lunch stop.
You may find full details hereThis walk across the Chilterns – the walker’s heaven – is through sloping fields and beech woods and hamlets, past upmarket farms and upgraded cottages. The walk is not difficult but it does have two short, steep hills (with fine views) near the lunch stop which account for the toughness rating , although the walk directions do offer an alternative route which avoids the first of the inclines. Small sections of the route can be muddy in wet weather, particularly the leg through Monkton Wood before the lunch stop.
Suggested Lunch and Tea stops
The suggested lunchtime stop is the Gate Inn (tel. 01494 488 632) at Bryant’s Bottom, 9.3km into the walk, with an aviary in its garden. This walker-friendly and family-friendly pub serves reasonably priced food – main meals, pub favourites and light meals - until 2.30 pm, Monday to Sunday. The pub has a large outdoor dining area for summertime use, at the far-end of which is a refurbished children’s playground for the youngsters
The suggested tea place is the Café Twit part of the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, open until 5 pm (last orders 4.45 pm), Tuesday to Sunday,
There remain two pubs in Great Missenden’s High Street which are still pubs and not wine bars or restaurants, which you pass on your way to the railway station and which are usually open during the afternoon for those who prefer a stronger drink at walk-end. In order as you pass them, they are: The George Inn (tel 01494 868 455) and The Cross Keys (tel 01494 865 373)
Explorer Maps 172 and 181
The suggested lunchtime stop is the Gate Inn (tel. 01494 488 632) at Bryant’s Bottom, 9.3km into the walk, with an aviary in its garden. This walker-friendly and family-friendly pub serves reasonably priced food – main meals, pub favourites and light meals - until 2.30 pm, Monday to Sunday. The pub has a large outdoor dining area for summertime use, at the far-end of which is a refurbished children’s playground for the youngsters
The suggested tea place is the Café Twit part of the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, open until 5 pm (last orders 4.45 pm), Tuesday to Sunday,
There remain two pubs in Great Missenden’s High Street which are still pubs and not wine bars or restaurants, which you pass on your way to the railway station and which are usually open during the afternoon for those who prefer a stronger drink at walk-end. In order as you pass them, they are: The George Inn (tel 01494 868 455) and The Cross Keys (tel 01494 865 373)
Explorer Maps 172 and 181
Return train times from Great Missenden:
16:49
17:02
17:19
17:46
18:18
Trains return to Marylebone via Harrow on the Hill and the journey time is about 45 minutes.
It looks like Strike Action on the Railways may occur occur on the late May Bank Holiday, but do keep an eye open to see if train travel to any of our walks will be disrupted
16:49
17:02
17:19
17:46
18:18
Trains return to Marylebone via Harrow on the Hill and the journey time is about 45 minutes.
It looks like Strike Action on the Railways may occur occur on the late May Bank Holiday, but do keep an eye open to see if train travel to any of our walks will be disrupted
Sunday, 17 May 2015
Sunday Second Walk - Surrey heathlands
Extra Walk 184 – Bentley to Farnham
Length: 25.9km (16.2 miles) Toughness: 7/10; or 18.7km (11.7 miles) Toughness 3/10
10.07 Alton/Basingstoke train from Waterloo (Clapham Junction 10:15) arriving at Bentley at 11:20. Buy an off-peak day return to Bentley, and make sure you are in the Alton section of the train, which divides at Woking.
Return trains from Farnham are on the hour and half-hour (journey time 1 hour 10 mins).
This varied walk, taking in Surrey hills’ ancient forests, heather-filled heathlands and a swimming pond, has attracted some very favourable comments. The shorter version of the walk was done on its two previous outings, but today could be an opportunity for more ambitious walkers to try the longer option, which explores the remote Kettlebury Hill and Hankley Common. You don't have to decide which option to choose until you reach Frensham Little Pond 10.2km into the walk.
The lunchtime options are not great, and it’s probably sensible to enjoy a packed lunch beside one of Frensham’s ponds or on Frensham Common. For a late pub lunch you must wait till you reach the Barley Mow (01252 792205) beside Tilford cricket green. This is 13.2km (short option) or 19km (long option) from the start.
You will need to download the Walk Directions.
Length: 25.9km (16.2 miles) Toughness: 7/10; or 18.7km (11.7 miles) Toughness 3/10
10.07 Alton/Basingstoke train from Waterloo (Clapham Junction 10:15) arriving at Bentley at 11:20. Buy an off-peak day return to Bentley, and make sure you are in the Alton section of the train, which divides at Woking.
Return trains from Farnham are on the hour and half-hour (journey time 1 hour 10 mins).
This varied walk, taking in Surrey hills’ ancient forests, heather-filled heathlands and a swimming pond, has attracted some very favourable comments. The shorter version of the walk was done on its two previous outings, but today could be an opportunity for more ambitious walkers to try the longer option, which explores the remote Kettlebury Hill and Hankley Common. You don't have to decide which option to choose until you reach Frensham Little Pond 10.2km into the walk.
The lunchtime options are not great, and it’s probably sensible to enjoy a packed lunch beside one of Frensham’s ponds or on Frensham Common. For a late pub lunch you must wait till you reach the Barley Mow (01252 792205) beside Tilford cricket green. This is 13.2km (short option) or 19km (long option) from the start.
You will need to download the Walk Directions.
Sunday First Walk - Essex riverside and ferry
Book 1 Walk 30 – Wivenhoe Circular
Length: 14.8km (9.2 miles) Toughness: 2/10
09:32 Clacton-on-Sea train from Liverpool Street (Stratford 09:39) arriving at Wivenhoe at 10:53.
Return trains from Wivenhoe are at xx.57 (journey time 1 hour 17 mins).
This walk is made up of two loops – one on the Wivenhoe side of the tidal River Colne, and one on the Rowhedge side, linked by a ferry that operates only during the period around high tide. Today high tide is at 12:22 and the ferry will run from 10:15 to 14:45. This means that you’ll need to head straight for the ferry on arrival at Wivenhoe and do the Rowhedge side first before crossing back for the Wivenhoe loop.
If you complete the Rowhedge loop in a couple of hours, you’ll have time for lunch at The Anchor pub (01206 728382) in Rowhedge, just yards from the ferry’s jetty. But make sure you don’t miss the last ferry! On the Wivenhoe side the recommended lunch pub is the Rose & Crown (01206 826371) on The Quay.
The afternoon walk is along the mudflats of the River Colne, and there are several options for tea in Wivenhoe. These, together with the walk directions, can be found here.
Length: 14.8km (9.2 miles) Toughness: 2/10
09:32 Clacton-on-Sea train from Liverpool Street (Stratford 09:39) arriving at Wivenhoe at 10:53.
Return trains from Wivenhoe are at xx.57 (journey time 1 hour 17 mins).
This walk is made up of two loops – one on the Wivenhoe side of the tidal River Colne, and one on the Rowhedge side, linked by a ferry that operates only during the period around high tide. Today high tide is at 12:22 and the ferry will run from 10:15 to 14:45. This means that you’ll need to head straight for the ferry on arrival at Wivenhoe and do the Rowhedge side first before crossing back for the Wivenhoe loop.
If you complete the Rowhedge loop in a couple of hours, you’ll have time for lunch at The Anchor pub (01206 728382) in Rowhedge, just yards from the ferry’s jetty. But make sure you don’t miss the last ferry! On the Wivenhoe side the recommended lunch pub is the Rose & Crown (01206 826371) on The Quay.
The afternoon walk is along the mudflats of the River Colne, and there are several options for tea in Wivenhoe. These, together with the walk directions, can be found here.
Saturday, 16 May 2015
Saturday Third Walk – A manor house by the M25
New Walk – Woldingham Circular, via Titsey Place
Length: 17½ km (10.9 miles). Toughness: 7/10
09:53 East Grinstead train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 09:59, East Croydon 10:11), arriving Woldingham at 10:27. Buy a day return to Woldingham, or (for an extra 40p) a return to Oxted if you might want to take the shorter ending (see below).
Trains back from Woldingham are essentially half-hourly, at 30 & 59 minutes past. If you finish at Oxted these Victoria trains leave at xx:24 & xx:53, and there's also a fast hourly service to London Bridge at xx:20.
This walk has been specially devised for the British Deaf Association, and I can confidently predict that your enjoyment of it will be greatly enhanced if you're deaf in the right ear (or bring a wad of cotton wool). A glance at the Walk Map will show a 1 km stretch within spitting distance of the M25, where you'll be obliged to practice your sign language or lapse into silent contemplation. At any rate there's no point getting your ears syringed the day before.
If you can blot out this intrusion you might enjoy a short woodland stretch in Marden Park Woods and some longer ones through the wooded hillside of the Titsey Plantation, part of the large estate surrounding Titsey Place. In theory you can stop off to visit this manor house and its gardens but a last-minute notice on its website apologising that they're unable to offer light lunches in its Tea Room has made this rather inconvenient.
Assuming that you leave a visit to a day when they've got their kitchen sorted out, a steep climb back up the North Downs will bring you in a further half-hour to the lunch pub, the Botley Hill Farmhouse. If your GPS device is accurate you'll observe that you can eat in either the western or the eastern hemisphere. There are yet more hills in the afternoon (hence the walk's 7/10 rating) but eventually you descend to the Dene Coffee Shop, ten minutes before Woldingham station.
Shorter ending: If you want to relax in a pub at the end of the walk I suggest following the Short Walk directions in the afternoon to finish in Oxted: Woldingham has nothing to offer beside its tearoom.
You'll need to print the directions from this New Walk page.
T=swc.244
Length: 17½ km (10.9 miles). Toughness: 7/10
09:53 East Grinstead train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 09:59, East Croydon 10:11), arriving Woldingham at 10:27. Buy a day return to Woldingham, or (for an extra 40p) a return to Oxted if you might want to take the shorter ending (see below).
Trains back from Woldingham are essentially half-hourly, at 30 & 59 minutes past. If you finish at Oxted these Victoria trains leave at xx:24 & xx:53, and there's also a fast hourly service to London Bridge at xx:20.
This walk has been specially devised for the British Deaf Association, and I can confidently predict that your enjoyment of it will be greatly enhanced if you're deaf in the right ear (or bring a wad of cotton wool). A glance at the Walk Map will show a 1 km stretch within spitting distance of the M25, where you'll be obliged to practice your sign language or lapse into silent contemplation. At any rate there's no point getting your ears syringed the day before.
If you can blot out this intrusion you might enjoy a short woodland stretch in Marden Park Woods and some longer ones through the wooded hillside of the Titsey Plantation, part of the large estate surrounding Titsey Place. In theory you can stop off to visit this manor house and its gardens but a last-minute notice on its website apologising that they're unable to offer light lunches in its Tea Room has made this rather inconvenient.
Assuming that you leave a visit to a day when they've got their kitchen sorted out, a steep climb back up the North Downs will bring you in a further half-hour to the lunch pub, the Botley Hill Farmhouse. If your GPS device is accurate you'll observe that you can eat in either the western or the eastern hemisphere. There are yet more hills in the afternoon (hence the walk's 7/10 rating) but eventually you descend to the Dene Coffee Shop, ten minutes before Woldingham station.
Shorter ending: If you want to relax in a pub at the end of the walk I suggest following the Short Walk directions in the afternoon to finish in Oxted: Woldingham has nothing to offer beside its tearoom.
You'll need to print the directions from this New Walk page.
T=swc.244
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